Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2025 i Women's Fitness

There are many awareness days, weeks and months each year, but the one I like to draw attention to every May is National Walking Month. As I write this from overseas, where the weather is good and walking for fitness is rife, I feel enthused to up my step count as we move into the summer months of warmer weather – and maybe you should, too. My reasoning is this: as keen exercisers, we might clock a 20-minute HIIT session or hour of weight training and think that’s enough activity for the day. Certainly, I’ve had days during which I’ve been entirely desk-bound except for the 30 minutes I spent in the gym. But what about walking? Do we do enough of it? In order to prioritise our scheduled training…

Peel to reveal With spring in the air and sunnier days ahead, it’s officially the season for ditching those outer layers and revealing what lies beneath. For beautiful and breathable activewear to inspire and support, look no further than BAM’s newest collection of kit available in a mix of earthy shades and pretty prints, including this soft and stretchy Unity Crop Top, £32, with secret support, and the high waisted Enduro Sculpting Leggings, £49. Just add this slouchy Rib Layering Jumper, £79, for a bright pop of colour – or if things turn chilly! Visit bambooclothing.co.uk to view the full range. Get on board Take your core and balance training to the next level with the GoBalance Sport from Particula (£99.99; very.co.uk). Combining a classic design with cutting-edge tech, this…

Walking has so many benefits, yet it’s often overlooked as a form of exercise. Regular brisk walking helps maintain a healthy weight, lowers your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and depression. In fact, studies have shown that moderate-intensity walking provides the same health benefits as more intense workouts, such as running. This is more important than ever, when so many of us struggle to fit regular exercise into our busy schedules. ‘Because of the health benefits of walking and wheeling [using a wheelchair], and its ability to connect us with friends and family, walking can improve not only our own wellbeing but also that of those around us. Plus, walking and wheeling are free and you can do them anywhere,’ says Catherine Woodhead, chief executive of…

Cool down Perfect as a post-workout treat on hot day, trüfrü (£6, trufru.co.uk) is made using 100 per cent real fruit, picked ripe, which is then double immersed in two layers of silky chocolate before being hyper-chilled to lock in all the delicious flavour and nutrition. Free from gluten and artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, head down to Tesco or Waitrose to try out the two new flavours: Blueberries in White & Dark Chocolate or Raspberries in White & Milk Chocolate. Boost your energy Supercharge your workouts with myota Metabolic Booster (£32.50, myotahealth.com). This clinically proven blend supports sustained energy, reduces blood sugar spikes and boosts metabolism. Packed with prebiotic fibres that fuel your gut bacteria, it helps you power through your day without energy dips or cravings. Simply mix…

Strength training boasts big benefits for menopausal women. Science shows that it can help offset decreasing oestrogen levels to maintain bone health through loading the spine with resistance. Further studies have linked strength training to improved weight management, better sleep and mental health among menopausal women, and even reduced the frequency of hot flushes. There is, however, one type of strength training that reigns supreme, and that is functional resistance work. ‘Functional strength training combines resistance and balance work to enhance mobility, co-ordination and bone strength,’ explains personal trainer Lindsay Duggan from YOUR Personal Training. ‘For perimenopausal women, this can improve everyday movement patterns, reduce injury risk, and alleviate symptoms such as joint stiffness.’ It’s fortunate, then, that Duggan has put together this workout for perimenopausal and menopausal women. It…

Daily steppers Walk everywhere? My daily footwear choice is Skechers’ Viper Court Classic trainers (£90, skechers.co.uk) for its under-foot comfort and ease-of-styling. Top hiker When it’s nippy but not too cold, P.O.P’s Brumous Sherpa Fleece (£80, polarnopyret.co.uk) reigns supreme as a top-layer for early morning hikes. Trail blazer I'm hooked on the versatility of Berghaus' Explorer Backpack (£110, berghaus.com) which has pockets galore plus an easy-access front zip.…

BENTE SMITH-REWSE Smith-Rewse is a biomechanics specialist and founder of Enertor, which sells shock-absorbing insoles for walking and running. Visit enertor.com Q I love walking and hiking but as I’m getting older, I’m really starting to feel it in my joints – especially my knees and hips, which ache for days after a long walk. How can I support my joints? I don’t want to stop hiking! A Getting older can come with its challenges but stopping what you enjoy doing is not the answer. In fact, sitting for long periods of time can lead to tight or strained hip flexors. This is because excessive sitting causes the muscles to relax and deactivate, which leads to the shortening of the hip flexors, causing tightness and pain. As you age, your…

Long before wellness became an industry, the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, had developed the concept of eudaimonia – the pursuit of a harmonious, flourishing life. He believed that true wellbeing nurtured not just the body but the intellect and emotions, too. It’s a philosophy I found myself embracing during my four-day wellness trip to Athens, as I delved into ancient history, stayed active and pampered myself with modern-day self-care. THE CITY STAY Staying at The Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection, made exploring Athens effortless. The stylish, 60-room boutique hotel sits in the very centre of town, which allowed me to discover all its interesting corners by foot – perfect for getting your steps in. The entrance sets the tone with a lavish-looking all-day bar on the left and contemporary banquette seating on…

If you’re not sold on the humble hike as a means of getting fit, we hear you – putting one foot in front of the other at a low-to-moderate pace doesn’t exactly sound like the lung-busting, muscle-burning stuff we so often associate with exercise. But here’s the thing, even if you’re not in it for the physical benefits (which are big, by the way: just 30 minutes daily is said to be enough to boost endurance and build strength), you should be strolling for its mental health effects. ‘Walking lowers the stress hormone cortisol and releases “happy” endorphins, so it will help you feel calmer,’ explains personal trainer, mindset coach and walking expert, Chloe Thomas. ‘Walking outside also helps with your sleep because exposure to natural light and movement during…

World Digestive Health Day (May 29) aims to raise awareness around the importance of gut and digestive health for your overall wellbeing. ‘The gut is complex, and it reacts not only to the food you eat but also to what life demands from you,’ says Dr Lucy Williamson. ‘The gut-brain axis is a powerful system which often means symptoms such as digestive issues, poor sleep and emotional health are all linked together. So, by taking control of our gut health, you can benefit all three!’ The food you eat is key in nurturing your gut health and helping to prevent the inflammation that causes common digestive health problems. Dr Williamson recommends eating a rainbow of different plants every day and avoiding processed foods as much as possible. You can also…

Columbia Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe £115, columbiasportswear.co.uk AT A GLANCE Lightweight, breathable and waterproof Secure fit and mid-height ankle keeps you stable Rugged grippy outsole for exceptional traction What the brand says: The Konos TRS OutDry Mid Hiking Shoe features a waterproof breathable upper and no-sew overlays to keep your feet dry and protected whatever the weather. The Navic Fit System delivers natural midfoot lockdown, and the mid-height ankle keep you stable when the conditions get tough. The engineered Techlite+ midsole provides cushioning and cradles the heel for optimal balance, while the deflection domes in the forefoot and heel absorb impact, working together to reduce stress on the foot. There’s also a rugged grippy outsole which offers exceptional traction in wet and muddy conditions, with deep flex grooves…

Joie de vivre Need a moment to reflect, escape or simply sink deeper into your being? Lose yourself in the scent of summer in Provence and create a nature-inspired sanctuary at home with L’Occitane’s new perfume Diffusers (£65, uk.loccitane.com). Fresh from the sun-drenched hills of southeast France, the authentic scents add an aura of calm to your living space with Figuier Oolong (sweet fig leaves with fresh oolong tea on a base of sandalwood), Ambre Cade (with lemon, cedarwood and gaiac) and Tubéreuse Gardinénia, an elegant white floral with orange blossom, jasmine and musk. And breathe… Free your feet Barefoot aficionados will be happy to hear about Vivobarefoot’s new Motus Studio Sneakers (£120, vivobarefoot.com/uk). Ideal for intense workouts, yoga, Pilates, walking and dancing, this shoe mimics your foot’s natural shape…

STAR LETTER ‘I’M FEELING MORE FOCUSED ON MY MARATHON TRAINING’ I’m feeling excited and nervous – I’ve signed up for my first marathon at the beginning of September in Buckingham! With just 25 weeks to prepare, I am in a state of panic – I generally keep fit (gym, home exercise, squash, swimming), but running long distances is completely new to me. So, I was overjoyed to come across your helpful and informative article, ‘Ready to race’ (April issue). Great advice, like getting the right gear, tracking my runs, having a plan, making sure I’m eating and drinking enough, not forgetting recovery and much more. I feel more confident and relaxed about the marathon now and am focused on training. Who knows, I might even ‘catch the running bug’ and…

Ever wonder how some women manage to juggle a hectic career with motherhood while also maintaining a consistent fitness regime? Us too! And who better to ask about bossing busy girl fitness than broadcaster, mum-of-two and fitness fanatic Zoe Hardman? Between the school run and bedtime, you’ll find the 42-year-old presenter working hard to record twice-weekly episodes of her award-winning podcast Made by Mammas – launched five years ago with her co-founder and business partner, Georgia Dayton – or focusing on their new venture, Made by Mammas Careers, a new recruitment agency for parents looking to re-enter the workplace on flexible terms after raising children. If that wasn’t enough, Zoe continues to host her Sunday morning radio show on Heart FM from 9am-12pm, and has recently been making short films…

DORSIFLEXION LUNGE • Step forward into a lunge with one foot (A). • As you bend both your knees, gently push the front knee forward while keeping the heel of the front foot rooted into the ground (B). • Lift your hands up over your head and hold, then lower, and switch sides. TOP TIPS Cool down and stretch post walk to avoid injury. Spend 30-40 seconds on each stretch, and aim to do two rounds in total. INNER THIGH STRETCH • Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart (A), holding onto a fence or gate if needed. • Shift your weight to one side, bending that knee while keeping the opposite leg straight (B). • Keep your chest up and feel the stretch in your inner thigh. •…

Exercise and weight loss is an interesting topic. There have been numerous studies indicating that exercise alone is not sufficient to result in weight loss. One simple reason is that when we move more, it stimulates our appetite. As humans, we are biologically biased to want to achieve energy balance, so we tend to respond to this increase in appetite. Similarly, it has been shown that if we see exercise as a means to lose weight, it often becomes a chore or even a punishment. Instead, if we see exercise for its health and wellbeing benefits, we are more likely to be successful at sticking to it, and this has many more benefits in the long term, such as improved blood pressure, cardiovascular health, bone health and also mood. One…

Sonic kit can set you back hundreds, but you don’t need deep pockets to bag a pair of the best wireless earbuds. Want reliable ’phones for everyday listening? The best cheap headphones make cord-free audio more affordable, without cutting corners where it counts. Here’s our pick of the top earphones available for less than £100. They might not rival high-end buds for outright feature-packed performance. But each pair promises to please the ears – and a few give premium competitors a good run for their money. Sony WF-C510 £55, sony.co.uk Sony’s smallest closed-type wireless buds are designed to fit all ears and stay comfy all day long. Available in blue, yellow, black and white, the WF-C510 buds feature Ambient Sound Mode and Voice Focus so you can still hear your…

Since the 1960s, consumers have spent billions trying to lose weight and yet, in the UK alone, latest government figures show that three-quarters of people over the age of 40 are overweight. Worldwide, more than two billion people are overweight, and over 600 million of those are obese. One of the scariest stats of all is this – among the obese people who try to lose weight, the failure rate is 99 per cent. People have been conditioned to think that, if they follow this diet or that one, take this pill or that one, or have this jab or that one, they’ll magically lose weight. Well, yes, many do get instant weight loss. But for 95 per cent of them it doesn’t last. Day-to-day life, stress, anxiety and boredom…

Growing up, Clare had always been sporty but had never given her abilities much thought, choosing instead to focus on school work. After university, she put her efforts into working long hours in the City and building a career as a trade support analyst. But when she had triplets in her 30s, something changed. ‘Looking after three babies was hard going and I was exhausted!’ she recalls. ‘A friend said to me, “Look, you’re going to have to do something to help yourself – why don’t you jog round the block?”. That’s how it started.’ Soon, Clare – who lives in Beckenham, south London – progressed to jogging several times round the block whenever she had a spare moment and eventually, to doing laps round the park. When a passer-by…